As we prepared for a cruise through one of China’s most scenic areas, the Li River in Guilin, I was initially terribly disappointed at the heavy traffic lining up at the docks and the mad rush to board. How could this be the surreal experience that was advertised? This was supposed to be one of the most beautiful places for Dave. All I read was that it was a favorite of poets and artists. How could I experience the beauty and calm of the area with bumper-to-bumper boat traffic on the river? How could my pictures convey a special place for Dave?
As we left the docks my expectations were pretty low, but I was happily surprised to see how the sharp bends of the river served as a screen from the other boats. It felt as if we were alone on the river. I gradually understood the connection that poets and artists had with this beautiful place.
The steep dramatic limestone formations shot high into the blue sky. Water buffalos lumbered along the shore while a few enjoyed a leisurely dip in the river. A grandmother, grandfather, and grandson took a quick rest on the shore’s edge watching and waving at the boat while cormorants sunned themselves on a log in the water. It definitely was surreal.
One of the most beautiful places on the Li is The Painted Hill of the Seven Horses. Legend says that the horses were in heaven and came to earth secretly to drink the water of the beautifil Lijiang. An artist saw them and wanted to paint them. They became spooked and ran wildly into the cliffs where they remain a part of the cliffs forever. It is definitely a beautiful place, but no matter how hard I look, I can’t see the horses! In this beautiful place is where I sprinkled Dave’s ashes.
The passengers on the boat kept wondering aloud why there were so many butterflies on the boat. I just smiled to myself because I knew why they were there.
Being one of the most beautiful places in China is certainly a place worthy of Dave!
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